Foodforecast, a Cologne-based provider of AI-driven intra-day demand forecasting for ultra-fresh products, has raised $9.5M in Series A funding. The platform optimizes production planning and supplier ordering for multi-site bakeries, foodservice chains, and supermarkets to cut food waste. The capital will fuel expansion of its Production Plan and Order Optimization tools across Germany.
German Food Waste Hits €10B Impact
Germany faces an annual economic impact from food waste estimated at €10B. Bakeries and gastronomy chains lose revenue to overproduction and stockouts of ultra-fresh goods like snacks and bakery items. Foodforecast targets this gap with AI that incorporates sales, weather, and events data for real-time adjustments. The timing aligns with rising sustainability mandates in European retail.
Overproduction Plagues Fresh Goods Chains
Multi-site operators struggle with demand volatility for perishable items, leading to high waste rates. Traditional forecasting relies on static models, causing 90% stockout reductions needed but rarely achieved. In one case, customer SSP saw 90% fewer stockouts after implementation. Foodforecast guarantees 10x ROI, addressing the scale where waste equates to billions in losses.
Intra-Day AI Replaces Daily Guesses
Foodforecast's Production Plan delivers intra-day forecasts for in-store replenishment, differing from competitors' daily batch predictions. Order Optimization provides daily supplier forecasts, implemented in 4-8 weeks without tech expertise required. This enables 15% higher product availability, as seen with SSP's 11% turnover increase. The approach recalibrates for events and weather, preventing over 8,826 tons of waste since 2018.
Real-Time Data Drives 10x ROI
By integrating live data sources, Foodforecast automates decisions for chains like Merzenich and SliceIt. Unlike manual planning, AI handles intra-day shifts, cutting CO2 emissions by over 10M kg equivalent. Customers report precise staffing and snack planning alongside demand forecasts.
Series A Backs Waste Reduction Mission
The $9.5M Series A signals strategic bet on AI for sustainability in foodservice. It aligns with Foodforecast's goal to mitigate €10B food waste impact over a decade. Founded in 2018, the 32-person team has featured on ZDF and RTL, validating market fit.
Bakery AI Market Targets Billions
Food waste reduction tools focus on €10B German market opportunity. No direct competitors with intra-day fresh goods forecasting noted, but sector traction grows with regulatory pushes. Foodforecast's 8,826 tons prevented sets benchmark for scalability. Projections tie to EU sustainability goals driving adoption.
Trade Fair Demos Signal Expansion
Foodforecast plans live AI demos at Internorga 2025, pitting 'Human vs AI' in snack and staffing forecasts. This follows deployments yielding 11% turnover gains. National rollout targets more chains with proven 10x ROI.